How Late in Pregnancy Can Twins Change Positions?

A twin pregnancy presents specific obstacles, one of which is limited space within the womb. As a result, the movement and ability to change positions of the twins may be impacted.

How late can twins flip?

Twins can flip or change positions throughout the pregnancy. In fact, the second twin may actually flip into a different position once the first twin is out of the womb. While it is common for twins to get in their final positions at around 28 weeks and stay that way, it’s never too late for one or both of them to flip.

The position of your twins can impact the pregnancy, the birth, and their safety while growing. That’s why it’s important to know everything you can about positioning in the womb.

Twin Position in Uterus

Twins can start in a variety of positions and move throughout the pregnancy. However, there are some positions that are more common for twins to be in than others.

Normal Positioning of Twins

The majority of twins position themselves vertically. This allows them room on their side of the womb.

Ideally, both twins will make their way into a head down position, but this isn’t always the case. One twin may be vertically positioned head down while the other is vertically positioned breech. Both can also be breech.

It’s less common for one twin to be vertical while the other is in a transverse position. Transverse means one twin is positioned horizontally. Both twins can also position themselves horizontally.

Why Twins Switch Places in the Womb

It’s not common for di di or mo di twins to completely switch places in the womb. However, they can change positions frequently. This can happen as each one tries to get more room or find a more comfortable position to settle in.

Is It Dangerous for Twins To Change Sides?

Most types of twins can’t change sides. Di di twins have their own amniotic and chorionic sacs, and that makes completely trading places nearly impossible. Even mo di twins have a membrane that separates them and makes switching places difficult.

Mo mo twins face unique challenges in the womb because they do share a chorionic and amniotic sac. That means they can switch sides. In the process, their umbilical cords can become entangled. This can lead to a variety of complications, and that’s why mo mo pregnancies are monitored closely.

How Late Can Twins Change Positions?

Twins can change positions during labor. While they run out of room as the pregnancy progresses, twins can still flip into different positions during the third trimester and beyond.

The twins most likely to fully switch sides are mo mo twins because there is no membrane separating them. This is more likely to happen in early pregnancy when both babies can move around easily.

Mo mo pregnancies are carefully monitored, and mom may be under constant fetal monitoring during the third trimester. If the babies attempt to switch places late in the pregnancy and chance hurting each other in the process, doctors will go ahead and take them via C-section.

How Late Can Breech Babies Flip?

Breech babies can flip to a head down position throughout the pregnancy, though it may become more difficult as time passes. If one twin is breech, your doctor may recommend an external cephalic version, also known as an ECV, to try to flip him. This is not recommended in every situation and usually won’t be attempted until at least 36 weeks.

It’s important to remember that twins can flip during labor. This can be great if a breech baby turns head down, but it can cause problems if a baby who was head down decides to flip into a breech position.

Most Common Presentation in Twin Pregnancy

The most common presentation in a twin pregnancy is both babies vertical and head down. This is called vertex. Both babies in a vertex position gives you the best chance at a vaginal delivery.

Twin Position During Labor

The position your twins are in will determine the plan for birth. Even with a plan going in, things can change when labor starts.

Vertex/Vertex

Both babies in a vertex position means their heads are down and they are in a vertical position. This is the best position for a vaginal delivery.

Vertex/Breech

One twin may be head down while the other is feet down. If this is the presentation going into labor, you will need to talk to your doctor about the best option. While a vaginal birth is possible if baby A is vertex, some doctors recommend a C-section since one baby is breech.

However, other doctors might try to turn the breech baby once their twin is out of the womb. Some doctors will also attempt breech deliveries if just one twin is breech.

It’s also possible for the vertex twin to be delivered vaginally and the breech twin to be taken by C-section if he won’t or can’t turn.

Breech/Breech

If both babies are feet down, you will likely have a C-section. Most doctors don’t want to try a vaginal delivery with twins if baby A is not vertex. It can also be difficult to turn both babies since they won’t have much room towards the end of the pregnancy.

Vertex/Transverse

If baby A is vertex but baby B is transverse, your doctor may attempt a vaginal delivery with baby A and then attempt to flip baby B. If that doesn’t work, baby B will have to be delivered by C-section.

Breech/Transverse

This position will require a C-section.

Transverse/Transverse

When both babies are horizontal, a C-section will likely be planned.